THE State of Origin fire is burning like never before for Cowboys centre Brent Tate, who is out to seal his 22nd Maroons cap during tomorrow’s showdown with the Sydney Roosters.

Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston has urged his teammates to give Maroon selectors food for thought during the Round 10 hit-out at 1300SMILES Stadium, which is North Queensland’s last club game before this year’s Origin opener on May 28.

Having signed a one-year contract extension with the club recently and having a huge respect from the Origin fraternity, Tate will put himself in the box seat for another Origin series should he shine against the defending premiers.

“I good showing from me I guess will only enhance wanting to play Origin,” he said.

“It’s only around the corner and we’re all getting a bit excited about it now.

“But we can’t go patting ourselves on the back, let’s just get the job done.

“We’ve had to battle at the start of the year and we’ve got a good roll-on now, but one of the big things we can’t do is fall in love with how we’re playing.”

Tate can again demonstrate his Origin class by outperforming Roosters right centre and New South Wales incumbent Michael Jennings.

Jennings will partner in-form Roosters winger Daniel Tupou on the right edge, with the pair combining for 300m in the Bondi club’s 30-6 against the Wests Tigers last weekend.

Tate will not be surprised if sees the pair named together on the same edge for Origin 1.

“It will be a big match-up,” Tate said.

“Tupou’s been playing some great footy and I think he’ll play Origin.

“He’s definitely a real target for them in the air and I’m sure they’ll kick to him again on the weekend, and he’s been in great form.”

Thurston is hopeful of seeing Tate retain his Origin jumper, along with Cowboys forward James Tamou.

Tamou played in Australia’s Anzac Test win but by his own admission will struggle to keep his Blues spot, although dominating a Roosters’ pack led by Jared Waerea-Hargeaves and Sam Moa will boost his chances.

“It’s one more game until those Origin selections come around and it’s a perfect opportunity for a lot of people to put their hands up for jumpers,” he said.

“No doubt Jimmy (Tamou) will be looking for a big game against this pack.

“They’re one of the best in the league and they proved last year, and it’s a great test for our middle third.”

Their middle third includes Townsville product Aidan Guerra, whose unorthodox playing style — combined with a 190, 105kg frame — will make him handful for North Queensland’s defence.

“It seems every week we come up against players who are quick, big and strong, and there’s never any respite when you play NRL,” Tate said.